Russian drone breaches Romanian airspace during strike on Ukraine

Drone breaches Romanian airspace during Russian attack on neighboring Ukraine

Romania’s defense ministry reported that its airspace was violated by a drone on Saturday amid a Russian strike on Ukrainian infrastructure close to the border. In response, Romanian forces scrambled F-16 fighter jets, which tracked the unmanned aircraft for nearly an hour. NATO has since heightened security measures following the breach.

The latest incursion occurred while Russia was launching a renewed barrage of attacks on Ukrainian ports. It also came days after 19 Russian drones infiltrated the Polish airspace, prompting the government to enforce Article 4 of Nato. The latest Russian incursions in Eastern European nations have led to a rise in concern over a war spillover in Eastern Europe.

Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said F-16 pilots nearly engaged the drone as it flew at a very low altitude before crossing back into Ukrainian territory. The episode followed Poland’s protest earlier in the week over Russian drones entering its airspace, with Warsaw urging Moscow to halt such “provocations.”

“Romania condemns Russia’s reckless behaviour, which threatens regional stability,” wrote the Romanian defence minister on social media. “Together with our NATO Allies, we remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of Allied airspace,” he added.

Romania, a NATO member, has previously found fragments of Russian drones on its territory since the start of the Ukraine war, particularly during intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports.

(With agency inputs)